They light up the skies for Independence Day and throughout the month. So it's the perfect time for women entrepreneurs to recognize that, in the words of that notable American, Katy Perry, "Baby you're a firework. Come on, show 'em what you're worth."

Yes, I'm a Katy Perry fan, but I think this song has a message for women entrepreneurs. I've worked with small-business owners for more than two decades, and women tend to discount their achievements or as singer Perry would say, "To let your colors burst."

I often had to remind women entrepreneurs to take the word "just" out of pitches to clients or investors.

They would say, "I've just been in business two years" or "I've just had three similar projects," instead of "I've already completed three similar projects."

On the other hand, men used the word to underline their achievements: "We were profitable in just two years."

So this July, start working on earning your own Firework badge by following these six steps:

1. Focus on what you can do, not what you can't. Women frequently concentrate on their shortcomings, rather than their successes.

They feel they have to be able to do everything themselves, to be over educated and over prepared to be qualified. Instead, develop your business around your strengths and build a team to balance what you lack.

2. Be confident. People are attracted to confident people.

Yes, you can draw a fine line between being confident and being cocky, especially women. So try not to be brash.

But before you enter a room, remind yourself of your past successes and believe in your own abilities, and you'll exude quiet confidence.

3. Stop fretting about your looks. Men don't walk into a room thinking they're not good looking enough to land a client.

You should absolutely take care of yourself and your appearance, but, come on, do you really want to enter a meeting thinking about your hair instead of a customer's or your company's needs?

4. Don't disparage yourself in front of others, especially clients. Self-deprecating humor can be a charming attribute and keep you from seeming boastful.

But do not run yourself down, especially when it can hurt you financially.

5. Be proud. Let yourself feel good about what you have achieved and bring that sense of pride to all your work.

After I had been self-employed for about a year, I realized that I had supported myself not by relying on someone else or even having a job but by selling my own expertise. I never wanted to lose that sense of accomplishment and self-sufficiency.

Now that I have employees, every once in a while, I'll remind myself how proud I should feel that I have created good jobs for others.

6. Remind yourself regularly that you don't have to be perfect to be wonderful.

So when you're faced with self-doubt, just turn on Katy Perry's Firework and sing along with the lyrics:

You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine. Just own the night like the 4th of July.